12 Funny and Relatable Things Toddlers Do

Toddlers are a whirlwind of energy, curiosity, and unpredictability. Every day, they come up with new ways to surprise us and sometimes with hilarious results. While their antics may drive us a bit crazy at times, they’re also deeply relatable. Here are some of the funniest (and sometimes most frustrating) things toddlers do, along with a few tips to help you survive the chaos!

Hide and Seek... But in Plain Sight

Toddlers love playing hide and seek, but they have a very interesting understanding of the rules. Picture this: they cover their eyes with their hands, fully convinced that if they can’t see you, you can’t see them. It’s cute, but also kind of hilarious when they’re standing right in front of you, oblivious to the fact that you can totally see them!

Tip: If your toddler tries this, just play along! It’s a fun way to encourage their imagination. You can even turn it into a learning game by showing them how to hide in creative ways.

The Hunger Drama: Constantly Hungry

You’ve just served them a perfectly good meal, and within minutes, your toddler declares, "I'm starving!" even though they’ve just finished eating. The concept of being “full” is still a mystery to them, and they’re usually very vocal about it. It may seem dramatic, but to them, it’s totally serious.

Tip: Keep snacks handy throughout the day to avoid hunger meltdowns. Offering smaller, more frequent meals helps maintain their energy levels. Make meals fun—use colorful plates and let them "help" with simple food prep to get them excited about eating!

Random Outfit Choices

Toddlers have a knack for combining clothes in ways that are equal parts adorable and absurd. Whether it’s a tutu with one shoe or a superhero cape paired with mismatched socks, their fashion sense is all about creativity. You'll find yourself at the supermarket wondering, “Is that… is that really what they chose to wear today?”

Tip: Embrace the chaos! As long as the outfit is weather-appropriate, let them explore their style. It's a great way for toddlers to express themselves, and besides, it’s all part of their development.

Talking to Inanimate Objects

You’ll often catch your toddler having a full-on conversation with a sock, a banana, or even a wall. It’s like their world is filled with invisible friends, and they’ve got a lot to say. While it might sound a little strange, this is actually a good sign of their blossoming imagination.

Tip: Encourage their creativity by playing along! Respond to their “conversations” or create fun dialogues with them. It’s a great way to foster language skills and imaginative play.

Pretending to Be You

Toddlers love mimicking adults. The next time you grab your phone, don’t be surprised if they snatch up a toy phone, put it to their ear, and declare, “I’m busy, I’m working!” It’s their way of copying what they see and understanding the adult world around them.

Tip: Instead of getting frustrated, join them! Let them mimic your daily activities, and even help them "work" or "talk" on the phone. This kind of role play supports their cognitive and social development.

Freaking Out Because Their Banana Broke in Half

It might seem like the smallest issue in the world, but to your toddler, a broken banana is serious business. Prepare for a full-blown meltdown over a fruit split in two. Their world is full of big emotions, and sometimes the tiniest things can trigger the biggest reactions.

Tip: Stay calm and offer comfort. Redirect their attention to something else or offer them a new banana. It’s a great opportunity to teach emotional regulation—“It’s okay, let’s fix it!” can go a long way.

Repeating Your Most Embarrassing Phrases

Oh, the joy of hearing your toddler repeat that phrase—the one you said in the heat of the moment, perhaps at the grocery store or in a stressed-out situation. And of course, they say it loudly. Prepare for an awkward public moment as your toddler parrot’s your most embarrassing words.

Tip: Try to keep your language positive around your toddler, even when you’re stressed. They soak up everything they hear, so modeling patience and kindness will help them learn to do the same.

Asking “Why?” 72 Times in a Row

The endless “why?” phase. Why is the sky blue? Why do we eat food? Why do I have to wear shoes? And just when you think you’ve answered enough, there’s always another “why?” waiting. It can feel like a marathon of curiosity that never ends.

Tip: Embrace it! It’s a sign that your toddler is learning about the world around them. Answer their questions with patience, and when you're out of answers, turn the tables and ask them, "Why do you think that is?" It encourages their thinking and keeps the conversation flowing.

Drawing a “Masterpiece” on the Wall

You turn your back for just a second, and your toddler has created a “masterpiece” on the wall using a permanent marker. It’s not the kind of artwork you’d expect to hang in a gallery, but to them, it’s their creative expression at its finest.

Tip: Keep art supplies in places that are out of reach of little hands. If they do manage to get a marker, calmly explain that walls aren’t for drawing. Offer them a safer, more appropriate space for their art, like a large sheet of paper, and celebrate their creativity!

Saying “I Didn’t Do It” Before You Even Ask

The classic toddler move—before you even ask about the spilled juice or crayon marks on the wall, they’re already denying involvement. It’s like they have a built-in defense mechanism, and they’re ready to use it at all times.

Tip: Keep it lighthearted! Gently point out that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that cleaning up is part of learning. Redirect the situation positively and offer praise when they take responsibility for their actions.

Wearing Oversized Shoes

Toddlers love to wear shoes that are far too big for them. Whether they’re clomping around in your shoes or putting on their sibling’s, they think they’re just like you! It’s awkward, but it’s also undeniably adorable to see them try to walk in shoes that are clearly meant for someone much bigger.

Tip: Let them enjoy their “grown-up” moment! It’s a great chance for them to explore their independence and feel like part of the adult world. Just make sure they’re in a safe space where they won’t trip!

Testing Your Patience by Saying “No” to Everything

It’s a classic toddler move—whatever you ask them to do, their answer is almost always “no.” From getting dressed to eating dinner, they test their boundaries by refusing to cooperate. While this phase can be tough, it’s a normal part of asserting independence.

Tip: Stay calm and offer choices instead of demands. For example, “Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the green one?” Giving them options makes them feel in control and can lead to fewer “no” responses.

Toddlers bring both joy and chaos into our lives, often in equal measure. While these behaviors can sometimes drive us up the wall, they’re all part of the learning process. They’re figuring out the world, testing boundaries, and exploring their creativity. 

Embrace their quirks with patience and humor, helping them navigate these early years with love, laughter, and fewer meltdowns. After all, it's just another day in the wild adventure of parenting!